Fireworks FAQs

Here you can find a selection of Frequently Asked Questions about buying fireworks and firework displays that we thought pertinent to include. Of course, if you cannot find your answer here, then please call Fireworks Den fireworks shop on 0800 954 920 to speak with a member of our expert team.

A. Most good household policies will cover the risks associated with domestic fireworks. If in doubt, check with your insurance company. You will definitely need special cover if you run a public event.

A. Most of our fireworks are category 3. The recommended viewing distance is 25m. Some are category 2, for which the recommended viewing distance is 5m. Only categories 3 and 2 have any real relevance to consumer display fireworks. If your garden is particularly narrow or has overhanging trees, you should choose your firework accordingly. Speak to our experts if you require advice on this matter.

A. Category 2 fireworks only require 5m viewing distance. These are great for small gardens with young spectators. Category 3 fireworks require 25m viewing distance. These are the more impressive domestic fireworks enjoyed by children and adults alike. Category 4 fireworks require a special licence to use – these are the types of fireworks you will see during the official London New Year’s Eve displays. These are only used by pyrotechnic experts. We do not sell any category 4 fireworks.

A. Many types of fireworks which adults remember from their own childhood are not longer available either by law or by a voluntary agreement with the fireworks industry. This includes bangers, and as a general rule, fireworks of erratic flight.

A. This is a common question, and a topic which confuses many people. Although both types of firework have a single fuse and fire multiple shots, there are some significant differences. A single ignition firework is designed by a firework manufacturer to provide an entire display – often with shots building up to a finale. There are many effects which can be fired from a single ignition firework. A barrage tends to be repeated shots with the same or similar effects. There are some larger barrages which will have a finale – and therefore the distinction between these and single igntions can be hard to make.

A. Although a single ignition is essentially a display in one box, a public firework display will use more than one firework. The longest single ignition firework lasts approximately 3 minutes. Most people would therefore use multiple fireworks in order to make a more substantial display.

A. Remote ignitors can be used to link many fireworks to one fuse so that you can stand back, press a button light the fireworks from a distance. Here at Fireworks Den, we have chosen NOT to stock remote ignitors. There have been cases where these have failed, and resulted in people walking up to a firework to resolve the fault to resume the display. We would never suggest that you approach a firework when an attempt has been made to ignite the fuse. Instead, we would suggest that all fireworks are lit with portfires, and lit at arms length. Portfires are available for sale on this website with other firework accessories.